Exhibition and stage device



Jan. 6, 1953 w. J. LANCASTER 2,624,578

EXHIBITION AND STAGE DEVICE Filed Dec. 20, 1949 2 SHEETS-SHEET l 1a Bai-lery INVENTOR. h z'llz'amllancaszer BY mm w. (BM

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1953 w. J. LANCASTER 2,624,578

EXHIBITION AND STAGE DEVICE Filed Dec. 20, 1949 2 SI-IEETS-SI-IEET 2 6 11? 4" 11x09 1 f 4,sa 1 i Vi I: [ii i5 ti I! Wi'zl -j35j51 jI5/3 1 111 151 L 151 J33 j33 INVENTOR. W'lZiamJLancasier Patented Jan. 6, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EXHIBITION AND STAGE DEVICE William J. Lancaster, Orlando, Fla.

Application December 20, 1949, Serial No. 134,065 v 4 Claims.

This invention relates to exhibition and stage devices and has particular relation to that type of devices or machines which turn or rotate during the time they are being used.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved exhibition or stage device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved exhibition or stage device having a revolving table or platform flush with the surrounding supporting means and provided with means for emitting fog, gas, smoke, or vapor to obscure the object to be displayed.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved exhibition or stage device having a revolving table or platform with means for emitting fog, smoke, vapor, or gas adjacent the outside edge of the revolving table to obscure the object mounted thereon.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved exhibition or stage device having a revolving table or platform with means for turning the table or platform and means for emitting smoke, fog, gas, or vapor in such a manner that any object on the platform will be kept from sight until the operator, by shutting off the supply of fog, smoke, gas, or vapor, makes it possible for the object mounted upon the revolving platform, to be seen.

Referring to the drawing where I have illustrated an embodiment of my invention,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the invention, showing the nozzles in the outer stationary table and adjacent the periphery of the inner table.

Fig. 2 is a side view, parts being omitted for clearness.

Fig. 3 is a top view showing the stationary table and the revolving table therein, as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a pipe and nozzle layout of the structure of Fig. 1, the tables being omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 5 is a front view of a slightly different form showing the delivery nozzles in the upper surface of the revolving table, the legs III and shaft H5 being broken to contract the figure.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the structure of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic showing of the elec tro-magnetic control for the valves which may be used by either construction.

Fig. 8 is a slightly enlarged detail view of the slip rings I52, I53 and their connections.

Similar reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the specification an drawing.

The structure illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 comprises two tables at substantially the same height, the inner circular table being rotatively mounted in an opening in the outer table, which in practice may be the surface of a stage or platform, which opening and inner table are concentric. Means for surrounding the inner table with fog, smoke, gas, or vapor are provided to obscure an object on the inner table, these latter means being under the control of the operator.

The outer table or platform [0 is supported in any desirable manner as by legs II which are here illustrated as being four in number. At the bottom of the legs are floor pads I2 to which thelegs are suitably secured. The legs II are secured together by a bracing platform'lt on which is mounted a support for carrying the weight of the inner table as will later be described.

On the platform I3 at its center, is a bottom thrust bearing M for supporting the rotating supporting shaft I 5. The upper portion of the shaft I5 is held in place by a bearing |3a which is mounted in a bracing frame |3b which, in turn, is secured to the legs II. At the top of the shaft I5 is the table support l6 which is rigidly attached to the rotating shaft I5 and to which is'rigidly secured the inner table IT. This inner table I I is circular in shape and is concentric with the axis of its supporting shaft I5. The outer table or platform II] is provided with an opening Illa which, for purposes of clearance, is concentric with and slightly larger than the inner table II.

Mounted on the supporting shaft I5 is a bevel gear I8 which coacts wtih another similar gear I9. This gear I9 is mounted on the shaft 20 of a gearing within the gear box 2|. This gear box 2| contains gearing which drives the rotating shaft I5 to turn the inner table I'I.

At the other or driving end of the gearing, in the gear box 2|, is a shaft 22 on which is rigidly mounted a v-pulley 23. on its shaft a drive V-pulley 25 provides the power to turn the table H. A V-belt 25 connects the pulleys 23 and 25 for the driving connection therebetween. The motor 24 is provided with suitable reversing connections which permit its use to drive the table I! in either rotative direction.

The motor 24 and the gear box 2| are suppgrted by and secured to the bracing platform In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the apparatus which provides the fog, smoke, gas or vapor for obscuring the view ofthe object A motor 24 carrying 3 or objects on the table II, is supported directly on the outer table supporting means and do not turn with the table II. This apparatus will now be described.

Supported from the legs II is a chemical tank 30 which is provided with a main outlet 3| which provides the supply line for the fog, smoke, gas or vapor which is used to obscure the object on the platform IT, as desired. An air pressure valve 32 is provided to supply the air pressure within the tank 30. A pressure gauge 34 is provided on the top of the tank 30 to indicate the pressure within the tank 30.

As shown particularly in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the main outlet pipe 3| is connected to the first manifold 33 which divides the delivery from the pipe 3I and then delivers the supply to the second manifolds 35. To control the delivery from the manifold 33 to the manifold 35, I provide two release valves I3I, which control the delivery of the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor being used to obscure from view the object or objects on the table II. As the construction of the valve I31 is similar for both forms of the invention, the details of construction will be later described.

At the four ends of the second manifolds 35 are third manifolds 35. These third manifolds 36 are preferably curved on a circle and carry the jets which actually deliver the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor to the air. It will be observed that at the rear of the structure, there is a space between the adjacent ends of the third manifolds 36. This space is to provide an opening through which a person may enter the screen formed by the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor without being observed from the front.

Spaced on the manifolds 36 in that portion of the circle where the jets are to be placed, are openings in which are jet tubes 38, at the outer ends of which are suitable nozzles. These nozzles may be of the type to produce a conical delivery of fog, smoke, gas, or vapor or they may be of the type to deliver a flat brush-like stream, or any other suitable shape.

These jet tubes 38 with their nozzles, extend through openings Ib in the outer table I0 so that the delivery may be made around the outside of the inner rotating table II. The nozzles may be pointed straight upwardly or rotatively at an angle or in any desired direction to produce the desired results.

The gearing may be made with any desired ratio between the driving shaft of the motor and the driven shaft of the gear box which carries the bevel gear I9, to produce the desired rotative speed of the shaft I and the table I I. I have found that under some conditions, a speed of six revolutions per minute of the table I1 gives desirable results.

In use, the outer table I0 may be placed on a level with or be integral with the stage or platform of the place where the exhibition or display is to take place. Or the unit can be used by itself. In the latter case, the user would probably place a curtain or drapery around the legs H to prevent the operating mechanism from being seen by the audience.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is illustrated a modified form of the invention wherein the nozzles are located on and revolve with the inner table.

The outer table or platform I I0 is supported by legs III which are here illustrated as being four in number. At the bottom of the legs III are floor pads II2 to which the legs are suitably secured. The legs I II are secured together by a bracing platform II3 on which is mounted a support for carrying the weight of the inner table as will later be described.

On the platform H3 at its center is a bottom thrust bearing II I for supporting the rotating supporting shaft II5. The upper portion of the shaft II5 is steadied by a bearing II3a which is mounted on a frame II3b which, in turn, is secured to the legs III. At the top of the shaft II5 is the table support II6 which is rigidly attached to the rotating shaft II5 and to Which is rigidly secured the inner table Ill. This inner table II! is circular in shape and is concentric with the axis of its supporting shaft II5. The outer table H0 is provided with an opening IIOa which, for purposes of clearance, is concentric with and slightly larger than the inner table I I1.

Mounted on the supporting shaft II5 is a bevel gear II8 which coacts with another similar gear II9. This gear H9 is mounted on the shaft I20 of a gearing within the gear box I2I. This gear box I2I contains gearing which drives the rotating shaft II5 to turn the inner table II'I.

At the other or driving end of the gearing, in the gear box I2I, is a shaft I22 on which is rigidly mounted a V-pulley I23. A motor I24 carrying on its shaft a drive V-pulley I25, provides the power to turn the table III. A V-belt I26 connects the pulleys I23 and I25 for the driving connection therebetween. The motor I24 is provided with suitable reversing connections which permit its use to drive the table III in either rotative direction. These reversing circuits are well known in the art and are therefore omitted.

The motor I24 and the gear box I 2| are supported by and secured to the bracing platform II3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the apparatus which provides the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor for obscuring the view of the object or objects on the table III, is supported directly on a platform I50 which in turn is supported on the shaft II5 and turns with the rotating table III. This apparatus will now be described.

Supported on the platform I50 is a chemical tank I30 which is provided with a main outlet I3I which provides the supply line for the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor which is used to obscure the object on the platform III, as desired. An air pressure valve I32 is provided to supply the air pressure within the tank I30. A pressure guage I34 is provided on the top of the tank I30 to indicate the pressure Within the tank I30.

As shown particularly in Fig. 5 the main outlet pipe I3I is connected to the first manifold I33 which divides the delivery from the pipe I3I and then delivers the supply to the second manifolds I35. To control the delivery from the manifold I 3| to the manifold I33, I provide two release valves I31, which control the delivery of the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor being used to obscure from view the object or objects on the table I I I.

At the four ends of the second manifolds I35 are third manifolds I36. These third manifolds I33 are preferably curved on a circle and carry the jets which actually deliver the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor to the air.

Spaced on the manifolds I36 and preferably in a circle are jet tubes I38, at the outer ends of which are suitable nozzles. These nozzles may be of the type to produce a conical delivery of fog, smoke, gas, or vapor or they may be of the type to deliver a flat brush-like stream, or of any other suitable shape.

These jet tubes I38 with their nozzles, extend through openings lIllb in the inner table III so that the delivery may be made not around but through and near the outside of the inner rotating table II1. The nozzles may be pointed straight upwardly or rotatively at an angle or in any desired direction to produce the desired results.

The gearing may be made with any desired ratio between the driving shaft of the motor and the driven shaft of the gear box which carries the bevel gear H9, to produce the desired rotative speed of the shaft H5 and the table II1. I have found that under some conditions, a speed of six revolutions per minute of the table I I! gives desirable results.

In use, the outer table I III which may be of any shape or size may be placed on a level with or be integral with the stage or platform of the place where the exhibition or display is to take place. Or the unit can be used by itself. In the latter case, the user would probably place a curtain or drapery around the legs III to prevent the operating mechanism from being seen by the audience. It is thus seen that in this form, the jets revolve with the inner table instead of remaining stationary.

In Figs. 7 and 8, I have illustrated an electric valve-operating mechanism which as already stated is adapted for admitting the gas, smoke, vapor, or fog as it comes from the tank 30 or tank I30. This construction will now be described.

In Figs. '7 and 8, the control valves I31 are each provided with an opening I3'Ie leading from the manifold 33, I33. This opening extends to the valve seat I315, with which registers a cut-off valve member I310 which is conical in form and fits the valve seat I311). The valve member I310 is carried by a valve stem I31d which is attached at its other end to the end of a solenoid armature I5 Ia of the solenoid I5 I.

The spring I31e is provided to normally tend to hold the valve member I310 on its seat I311). A packing I311 is provided for the valve stem I31d to prevent leakage of the gas, vapor, smoke, or fog when the valve member I310 is not seated.

It is to be understood that the solenoid I5I is of the usual type with a free-moving armature I5Ia and also that the spring I31e is of sufficient strength to move the valve member I31c and the armature I5Ia whenever the solenoid I5I is not energized.

In using the control valve I31 in the form shown in Figs. 5 and 6, it will be noted that special provision for the energization of the solenoid I5I must be made. This is due to the fact that the supply and delivery devices for delivering the gas, fog, smoke, or vapor are constructed to revolve while the control switch must or should be oper ated from a fixed position which may be some distance away. To take care of this requirement, I have provided two contact slip rings and their connections which will now be described.

Mounted concentrically and to revolve with the supporting shaft II5 are a pair of slip-rings I52 and I53. These slip-rings are respectively connected to the ends of the coils within the solenoids I5I by the terminal wires I5Ib, I5Ic and I5Id. These connections are made in such a manner that the outer cylindrical surfaces of the respective rings are clear for contact with the brush members I52a and I53a which are mounted on the platform I55 as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5. These brushes I52a and I53a are at all times in contact with their respective rings and are connected by the wires I52b and I53b to the manually operated control switch I54, which latter is mounted at any suitable place, as on the frame, the connection I 53b being through the battery or other source of electrical energy, at I55. In the case of the structure of Figs. 1 to 4, the wires I521), I531) are connected directly to the coils of the'solenoids I5I as shown in Fig. 1.

By the construction just described, it is possible for the platform I50, with the apparatus carried thereby, to rotate any number of times with the switch I54 always within reach of the operator to control the delivery of the gas, smoke, vapor, or fog, as desired. In use it is to be understood that as long as the switch I54 is closed, the solenoid I5I will be energized and the spring I31e compressed as the valve member I31c leaves its seat I31b. And as soon as the switch I54 is opened, the spring I316 will expand to permit the valve member I31c to close and end the discharge of the fog, smoke, vapor, or gas from the tank I 30.

In either of the forms of Fig. 1 or Fig. 5, it is to be understood that hand operated valves may be substituted for the valves I31 in a well-known manner.

The term "object is used to apply either to an animate object as a person or an inanimate object such as a statue. One method of use is in starting the emission of fog, gas, smoke, or vapor prior to the time, for example, when the curtain is raised. The audience then sees the place of location of the rotating table but does not see any object upon the table. If the first exhibit takes its place on the rotating table prior to the rais ing of the curtain the valves I31 may then be closed. By using the proper kind of artificial fog, smoke, gas, or vapor, only a very short time will pass before the exhibit is in full view. When .it is desired to close that part of the exhibit, it is necessary only to open the valves I31. The exhibit will then, almost at once, become enveloped and the exhibit can then be changed. It has been found in actual practice that the closer the valves I31 are to the jets, the greater will be the efficiency of the operation.

It is to be understood that the particular material for producing the fog, smoke, gas, or vapor is not a part of this invention, per se and for this reason, will not be further described.

While details of illustrative structure have been set forth in the specification and drawing, it is to be understood that modifications and changes, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and within its scope as claimed.

Having described my invention, what I claim 1. An exhibition device comprising a rotatable exhibit table, an exhibition space above the table, means rotatable when the table rotates, and adjacent the periphery of the table and between theexhibition space and the audience to emit an upwardly extending obscuring screen of fog, smoke, gas or vapor to screen the exhibition space above the table from view and power means for revolving the table.

2. An exhibition device comprising a substantially circular exhibit table, an exhibition space above the table, a second table having a substantially circular opening, means for rotatively mounting the first table in the circular opening, jet openings in the surface of one of the tables in a row extending along the edge of the other table and between the exhibition space and the audience jets in the openings a container for fog, gas, smoke or vapor and connections between the container and jets.

3. An exhibition device comprising a substantially circular exhibit table, an exhibition space above the table, a second table having a substantially circular opening, means for rotatively mounting the first table in the circular opening, jet means mounted in the surface of the second table with the jet openings in position to emit fog, smoke, gas, or vapor across the front of the space above the first table and between the exhibition space and the audience, a container for 10%, gas, smoke or vapor and connections between the container and jets.

4. An exhibition device comprising a substantially circular exhibit table, an exhibition space above the table, a second table, supporting means including legs for supporting the second table, means for rotatively supporting the first table on the second table supporting means, a motor means, power transmission means between the motor means and the first table to rotate the firstnamed table, a container, jets having openings adjacent the surface of the second table and arranged to emit fog, gas, smoke or vapor to screen the space in front of the first table and between the exhibition space and the audience, conduit connections between the container and the jets and valve control means for controlling the flow from the container to the jets.

WILLIAM J. LANCASTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

